The film was directed and written by Peter McCarthy in his directorial debut and stars James LeGros, with appearances by John Cusack, Ethan Hawke, and Lisa Zane.

In the wake of the Los Angeles riots, John Boyz is an unemployed, aimless young man who lives alone in Venice.

[7] Leonard Klady of Variety wrote, "While the disjointed tale of contemporary alienation doesn’t always connect the dots, it has a raw energy and sense of fun that’s infectious.

"[3] Klady noted that while the subject matter is "extremely depressing stuff", "writer/first-time director Peter McCarthy is more interested in allegory than cinema verite.

"[3] In a positive review, Peter Stack of the San Francisco Chronicle said, "Decidedly offbeat, and at times so awkward you cringe, 'The Floundering'...is nonetheless a slyly engaging, sardonic comedy.